UVa-Wise to participate in Tornado Preparedness Day on March 12

UVa-Wise will participate
in the statewide drill. While students and faculty will be on spring break, we
encourage everyone to take a moment this week to visit the college website for
information on what to do during a tornado. The link is http://www.uvawise.edu/emergency/emergencyprocedures

At 9:45 a.m. on the day of the drill,
NOAA Weather Radio will broadcast a test warning from the National Weather
Service. The test warning will then be aired by television and radio stations.

When the test warning is
heard, the governor’s office is asking people to move to a safe area, such as a
basement, bathroom or closet on the lowest level of a building.

Last year, 11 tornadoes
struck Virginia, injuring six people and causing $3 million in property damage.

During
the past two years, 62 tornadoes hit Virginia, killing 10 people and injuring
more than 100. More than 210 homes were destroyed, and more than 1,050 were
damaged. Nearly every part of the state was affected, and many communities are
still healing from the damage and loss. Tornadoes are common in Virginia, and
that is why it is critical for state employees and their families to know what
to do and where to go in case of a tornado warning.

During
the drill, people should go immediately to the lowest level of their building
and move to a windowless interior room, hallway, or closet space, taking a
"drop, cover, and hold" position. This means crouching as low as
possible to the floor, facing down, and covering heads with hands.

All
state agencies are encouraged to participate and practice their tornado
emergency plans as if a tornado warning had been issued.